Noise control is a current and much debated issue within the live music industry, and the subject addressed in the second white paper from audio manufacturer Flare Audio. The white paper proposes that the key to successful sound propagation management is not to “turn it down” or to focus on containment attempts, but to produce pure, controllable sound based on Waveform Integrity (Wi). The paper examines how waveform damage occurs when sound is reflected off a surface; either at the input stage (inside a loudspeaker) or as it travels from speaker to the audience. When a waveform reflects in this way it loses its original form as harmonic distortion is added. The more a waveform is damaged the less accurate the information contained within it. This lack of information and detail ‘colours’ the original sound, making it feel lifeless and dull. It describes how manufacturers have traditionally masked waveform damage, particularly in the last two decades, through the use of DSP. Flare believes that DSP merely camouflages the damaged sound waves and cannot therefore improve dispersion, therefore is not the best way to improve loudspeaker sound quality. The paper goes on to look at how cardioid bass array setups are often used in an attempt to control low frequency sound. It suggests that if reflections and waveform damage are prevented in the first instance then neither of these damage control strategies are necessary and would in fact be redundant. The document argues that the less well-known Waveform integrity test allows artists, audio professionals and the listener to compare the sound reproduction of different products much more effectively. The paper concludes by maintaining that only when Waveform integrity is understood can successful sound propagation be achieved. Until then trying to control damaged sound waves is a losing battle. Based on this understanding, Flare has developed two technologies that maintain accurate Waveform integrity: • Space Technology: (patent pending) which eliminates resonance within the loudspeaker enclosure so that what is heard is just the information supplied to the loudspeaker driver. • Nanoflow Technology: (patent pending) which combines the energy of multiple bass frequency drivers, lowering frequency response without damaging Waveform integrity. The principles of Wi are the basis for Flare Audio’s latest product line, Space and Quadhorn. The white paper, Flare Audio: Waveform Integrity and Sound Propagation, is available for download in full from the Flare Audio’s website. www.flareaudio.com

Flare Audio's Davies Roberts’ claims have been dismissed in some quarters but found devotees in others. Love him or hate him, you certainly can’t ignore his Space Technology and the iconoclastic confidence of his approach to loudspeaker design.

In an effort to quell local noise complaints, Martin Audio’s MLA tackled the sensitive issues of sound dispersion as part of changes made this summer to the infrastructure of concerts at London's Hyde Park.